Givenchy en Gohelle
Road: Chemin De Neuville
There’s a monument on the Vimyhöhe for the Canadian soldiers that fought in World War 1. There’s also a graveyard and you can visit some tunnels and trenches here. Hitler visited the Vimyhöhe on June 2, 1940.
(pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
The coloured pictures show the Vimyhöhe today
(pictures: Hitlerpages)
Neuville -
The cars drove through Nouville and Souchez to the Loretto-
Location: road Voie De Bouvigny A Notre Dame De Lorette
On the Lorettohöhe is a cemetry of the French soldiers dying in the First World War. There’s a church, the Notre Dame De Lorette, a graveyard and memorial pillar. Hitler was here on the same day he visited the Vimyhöhe.
and in 2007 (pictures: Hitlerpages)
On June 1 and 2, 1940 Hitler toured through Belgium and the Northern parts of France to meet different army leaders and to visit sites Hitler knew from World War 1. n June 25 Hitler visited the Champagne, on June 26 Vlaanderen and on June 30 the Elzas, a trip that included Germany. The trip to Compeigne is also on this page but the one day visit to Paris and some other short visits in June are mentioned on the other Belgium and France pages.
Today: Brussels Airport
On June 1, 1940 Hitler flew from Feldfluplatz Odendorf to Brussels. He met Von Bock, Von Küchler and Von Reichenau at the airport. From Brussels he went for a 2 days trip in the south of Belgium and the north of France. On June 1 he went from Brussels to Gent -
Hitler at Brussels-
Hitler at Brussels-
Above: Hitler shakes hands with Generaloberst Von Block
Below: Hitler shaking hands with Kesselring. Behind them Von Bock and Brauchitsch
(pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Hitler in front of the Chateau de Brigode (picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Today: not sure
After the trip in the North of France on June 2, 1940 Hilter got on a plane in Niergnies and flew to Charleville to meet Von Rundstedt and a lot of other generals. On May 24, 1940 a meeting like this took place at the Maison Blairon. This could also be the location of this meeting. After that he flew to Odendorf airfield and went back to the Felsennest in Rodert, Germany.
Hitler’s car arriving at the Maison Blairon on May 24, 1940
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Brussels -
Known part of the route:
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After having left the airport Hitler’s automobile column rode through the city of Brussels.
The cars near the Triomfboog at the Jubelpark (picture: Hoffmann Archive)
The cars driving through the Regentschapsstraat, the palace of Justice is in the backof the picture (picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Here the cars are on the Grote Markt, driving into the Kolenmarkt street (picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
The Triomfboog today
(picture: Cindy Smeulders, nl.wikipedia.org)
The palace of Justice today
Kapelle-
Location: Channel of Willebroek
After Brussels the cars drove to Kapelle-
Bridge over the channel of Willebroek
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Aalst
Aalst was the next place on the route. The cars didn’t stop at Aalst.
Gent, fieldheadquarters and city
Location: somewhere right before Gent (coming from Aalst); after that Hitler drove through the city; Limburgstraat
Hitler had a meeting with general Von Küchler right before he got to Gent. He had lunch in a Feldküchen and after that he drover through the city. There’s a picture of Hitler’s automibile column driving through the Limburgstraat.
Aalst was the next place on the route. The cars didn’t stop at Aalst.
Left: Hitler talking to Von Küchler
Right: Hitler having lunch from a Feldküchen
Below: The cars driving through the Limburgstraat in Gent
(pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Location: Markt(plein) 18, opposite to the church
Today: still there
Hitler was stationed here in the first world war for a while. It is said that he made a detour to Ardooie to visit the location on his trip on June 2, 1940.
In the first World War Hitler was stationed in the house on the right. Hitler made a drawing of the village and the church. Some more information is found here.
(pictures: The Hitlerpages 2009)
Airport Bissegem
Location: along the Kortrijkstraat between Kortrijk and Wevelgem
Today: there’s still an airport, but it’s been completely renewed, it’s called Kortrijk-
After Ardooie a meeting with Generaloberst Von Reichenau took place at the airport Bissegem.
Heinrich Hoffmann and some men of the SS at the airport Bissegem
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Wevelgem and Menen
The route continued through Wevelgem and Menen. The cars were headed to Ieper.
Location: near the village of Kemmel, southwest of Ieper, between Kemmel and the French border
Today: still there
The Kemmelberg (mountain of Kemmel) is the highest point in the district. There’s been some heavy fighting in World War 1 on this mountain. In the spring offensive of 1918 the Germans took the mountain. Hitler visited the Kemmelberg in 1940.
Right: The same spot today, the part of the building with the dark stone is still the same as it was (picture: The Hitlerpages, 2009)
Right: The same spot today (picture: The Hitlerpages, 2009)
Both picture above:
The Kemmelberg today
(picture: The Hitlerpages, 2009)
Location: Meensestraat, the Meensepoort is one of the entrances to the centre of Ieper. It’s on the road from Ieper to Menen.
Today: still there
Next, Hitler visited the Meensepoort in Ieper. The Meensepoort is a memorial for the fallen soldiers in the First World War. On the inside of the gate are the names of a lot of soldiers from different countries. Hitler was in this region during the First World War and he was back in Ieper in 1940, when the Germans had occupied Belgium. Still every day at 8 o’clock p.m. the last post is blown for the fallen soldiers.
direction of the Meensestraat
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
the last post is blown
(picture: Hitlerpages)
city side
(picture: Hitlerpages)
(picture: Hitlerpages)
memorial in 1940 in Ieper
(exact location not mentioned)
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Hitler near the Meensepoort. This picture was taken in the Kauwekijnstraat
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Ieper, Lakenhalle
Location: Grote Markt
Today: still there
A picture shows the cars of Hitler’s motorcade near the Lakenhalle in Ieper.
The Lakenhal today
(picture: Donderwolk, www.wikipedia.nl)
The cars driving on the Grote Markt near the Lakenhalle
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Langemark, German War Cemetery
Location: Langemark German military cemetery is situated to the north of Langemark village, on the northern exit in the direction of Houthulst, on the Klerkenstraat
Today: still there
In Langeamrk Hitler met general Von Schwedler and he went to see the German cemetery for soldiers that died during the First World War.
The entrance of the cemetery of Langemark
(picture: Hitlerpages)
The cemetery of Langemark
(picture: Hitlerpages)
The exact same spot as the Hoffmann picture below
(picture: Hitlerpages)
Above: This picture was taken from behind the tombes that are visible on the other pictures
Right: Hitler paying respects to the fallen
(both pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Below, right: The pathway in front of the tombes)
(picture: Hitlerpages)
The same location again
(picture: Hitlerpages)
Boezinge and Poperinge
After Langemark the cars went to the Kemmelberg, through Boezinge and Poperinge.
Wijtschate, Wervik and Tourcoing (France)
When they left the Kemmelberg the cars went to border of France, to get to Lille. They drove through Wijtschate, and because a bridge near Comines was blown up through Wervik and Tourcoing.
Lille (France)
Part of the route:
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Before goimg to the Chateau de Brigode in Annapes, Hitler was driven through the city of Lille.
The cars near the station Lille Flandres (picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
The station today
(picture: fr.wikipedia.org)
Chateau de Brigode
At 8.30 a.m. on June 2, 1940 Hitler and his men drove away from the castle de Brigode for a journey through the northern parts of France.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Lille
Location: unknown
The cars drove through Lille to get to Pont-
Pont-
Location: unknown
At Pont-
Von Kluge and Rommel
talking to Hitler
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Avelin
Location: unknown
Next they drove to Avelin for a meeting with general Adolf Strauss.
Hitler and Strauss
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Seclin -
The cars drove through Seclin, Carvin and Lens on their way to the Vimyhöhe.
Arras, town hall and station
Locations: Place de Héros (city hall) and Place du Maréchal Foch (station)
Today: city hall is still the same but there’s a new station on this location
The cars drove on through Arras, where they passed city hall and the station. After that they went to Douai.
Both pictures: The cars driving past the station
(pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
The city hall of Arras
(pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Douai, Sint-
Location: railroad crossing east of Douai
Today: a bridge crosses the railroad today
When the column of cars had past Douai they crossed a railroad track at Sint-
The road has been lifted by a bridge. The road still runs between the houses.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Bouchain, Rue d’Ostrevant and Tour l’Ostrevant
Location: Rue d’Ostrevant
Today: still there, the tower has been open for the public in the past, not sure about that today
In Bouchain Hitler met general Walter Heitz, who gave a presentation on top of the tower l’Ostrevant. They walked along the Rue d’Ostrevant to get there. Hitler wanted to know why in the Bouchain area the German army was stopped for about a week.
Hitler and General Heitz on the Rue d’Ostrevant.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Above: On the roof of the Tour l’Ostrevant.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Right: The tower today
(picture: The Hitlerpages, 2009)
The same location today
(picture: The Hitlerpages, 2009)
Left: The Rue d’Ostrevant. Hitler and his group walking towards the tower.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann) Right: The same street. In both pictures the same wall is in the background. (picture: The Hitlerpages, 2007)
Left: The Rue d’Ostrevant. Hitler and his group walking back to the cars.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Right: The same location. (picture: The Hitlerpages, 2007)
All three pictures above: The Ostrevant today
(picture: The Hitlerpages, 2009)
Cambrai
Location: Place Aristide Briand
Today: still looks pretty much the same
Going to the airport of Niergnies the cars went through Cambrai.
The German troops stood along the road to cheer him on.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Cambrai, Niernies Airport
Location: Airfield Cambrai/Niergnies, along the D960 or Route de Guise, on the Rue de l’Argilierre, south of the village of Niergnies
Today: there’s still an airport at this location
On Niergnies Airport Hitler met General Ewald von Kleist. The group had a meal and after that they got on the plane to Charleville. They left at 3.00 p.m. They landed in Charleville at 4.00 p.m.
Niergnies Airport
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Location: Side-
On November 11, 1918 German generals surrendered here in the railroad car of the French marshal Foch. The site was turned into a memorial park with an avenue of 250 yards and a granite block on the spot were the train wagon had been. On June 21, 1940 the French surrendered to the German at the exact same spot and in the same railroad car, in the presence of Adolf Hitler. The park was destroyed during the war, but it has been rebuilt. Only the statue of marshal Foch is the original one. The railroad car is you can see here today is a reproduction. It is kept in a shed where the original one was kept. The original was taken to Berlin, but there it got bombed.
(picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009)
Glade of Armistice. Here they face the wagon. Right: The same location from a different angle.
(picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009)
The monument behind the Führer was covered with the German flag. The reason why is obvious when you look at the picture on the left: the monument shows a dead bird, symbolising Germany. (picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009) On the right: Almost the same picture today. It seems like the location of the pillars with the chains on it has changed a little bit. (picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009)
Left: Hitler arrives at the Glade of the Armistice.
Right: The path to the place where the trains stood in 1918 and 1940.
(picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009)
Centre: The same location. (picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009) Right: The location of the German train is marked by a stone, just like the location where the French wagon stood. (picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009)
(picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009)
(picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009)
(picture: the Hitlerpages, 2009)
Today: still there in the 70’s
In the First World War Hitler was stationed in this area. He visited the village more than 20 years later. The magazine After the Battle found out where the picture of Hitler visiting this village had been taken.
Location: In the woods south of Laniscourt; about here: 49”32”31”58 N and 3”32”17”16 E; near the Chemin Militaire du Fort. Coming from Mons-
Today: still there in the 70’s
The trip continued to the village of Laniscourt. Hitler visited the Fort of Laniscourt. The Fort was part of the second defence line of the French in WW1. The area saw some heavy fighting. Hitler was stationed in the area in WW1.
Centre: Entering the courtyard the place Hitler stood is on the left. (picture: The Hitler Pages, 2009)
Right: At the other end of the courtyard there’s an entrance just like the other one. (picture: The Hitler Pages, 2009)
Looking at an enlargement of the picture with Hitler on it, made us believe the first coloured picture is the right one.
Hitler and his company leaving the fort. Here they are in front of the entrance. (pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Location: Place de la Mairie
Today: still there
In Montbavin Hitler visited a church. Hitler was in this region in the First World War, but why the church was important to him, is not known. Maybe the soldiers or the regiment staf found shelter here.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Location: unknown
In La Neuville Hitler visited a French war cemetery.
Location: Place du Cardinal Lucon
Today: still there
Hitler and his men went to Reims to see the cathedral.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Location: north of Reims, along the D966
Today: still there
At the airport of Reims Hitler took a plane back to Gros-
Location: unknown
Somewhere on the road to La Neuville the group visited a war monument. There must be pictures of this event.
Lille (France)
In the morning of June 26 Hitler and his men went to Lille by plane for a trip ithrough south western Belgium and the northern parts of France.
Location: At the end of Rue de la Biette (outside the village) is a soccerfield, behind it in the fields is the bunker
Today: still there
The bunker Hitler visited in 1940 is on the Rue de la Biette.
Below: The bunker today (picture: The Hitler Pages)
There is discussion about what the exact Hitlerbunker was in World War 1. There are (still) a lot of bunkers from that war in Belgium and France, and it’s obvious that Hitler has seen more than one. The fact that there are pictures of Hitler in front of such a bunker from 1940 is widespred on the internet. The pictures beneath show Hitler in front of a WW 1 bunker. It doesn’t look like it’s the same bunker as the most well-
Fromelles (France)
Location: crossing in Fromelles, where the roads D141 and D22 cross, facing west, towards Aubers
The group left the cars at a crossing in Fromelles.
Hitler and his men in Fromelles (pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Aubers (France), English WW1 cemetery
Location: on the Route d’Aubers (between the Rue de Valmonchy and the Chemin de la Croix Rouge)
Today: still there
It seems that Hitler visited this cemetery when he came through Aubers.
Aubers was taken by the British army on October 17, 1914. The village was recaptured by the Germans within a few days. In early October 1918 Aubers fell into British hands again. This time for good. The cemetery was made after the Armistice.
(pictures: The Hitlerpages, 2009)
La Bassee (France) -
The route to Dunkerque and back was like this, according to the magazine After The Battle.
Roesbrugge
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
On the D916A in Rattekot, between Bergues and Rexpoëde
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Capelle la Grande, on the D916
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Rexpoëde (western edge) (picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
the guards in front of the house
Butchery Fournes
Location: Rue Faidherbe 966
Today: still there
This is another building were Hitler was stationed in 1916. During the second world war the butchery was guarded and there was a sign that said: ‘In diesem Quartier lag 1916 unser Fuehrer Adolf Hitler als Soldat des Bayr. JNF. RGT. List’. The sign is broken, but it must be in the museum of Fromelles.
Regiment Building
Location: Rue de Faidherbe, a few houses west and across the road from the Rue du 8 Mai 1945
Today: still there, it is turned into a Mairie today
The motorcade drove to Fournes en Weppes first. Hitler was statiuoned here in WW1. There are different pictures made of Hitler accompanied by fellow soldiers. Most of them are made in the garden of the regiment building.
his fellow-
Above: Hitler is sitting on the left
Right: Hitler is standing on the right
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Left: The drawing ‘Unterstand’ (Shelter) was made in 1915
Right: The aquarel ‘Haus mit weissem Zaun’ is made northwest of Fromelles, near the ‘Roten Banke’, in 1915
(picture: The Hitler Pages, 2009)
Farm where Hitler was stationed
Location: southern edge of Fromelles, on the D22, last farm on the left
Today: still there
The next stop was Fromelles. Hitler was stationed in a farm on the edge of Fromelles in WW1. In 1940 he visited the farm again, as you can see on the picture.
but there’s no proof Hitler was here in WW1.
(pictures: The Hitler Pages)
Today: still there
IHitler visited the cathedral of Laon.
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Hitler visited the Champagne and Vlaanderen on June 25 and 26 together with Max Amann and Ernst Schmied, old friends from the First World War. The locations mentioned are in France, unless otherwise indicated.
Bruly-
Hitler left the Wolfsschlucht at 9.00 a.m. to drive to Laon, through Montcornet.
Tannenberg (Germany) -
The trip started at the Tannenberg. Hitler was driven through the German city of Kehl, on the other side of the Rhine to Strasbourg.
Location: bridge over the Rhine (replaced) and Münsterplatz (cathedral)
There are pictures of at least two locations Hitler visited in Strasbuorg. One of the group near an unknown bridge, (Please send us an e-
Right: In the Cathedral of Strassburg
(pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
Sélestat (France) -
The trip continued through Sélestat and Colmar. If the cars stopped, and if so, where, is unknown.
Both pictures: Near the Rhine across from Breisach. Keitel and Bormann are with Hitler
(pictures: Heinrich Hoffmann)
West-
Location:unknown, it seems like the area has changed a lot
Hitler saw some French bunkers on the westbank of the Rhine.
Breisach (Germany), floating bridge over the Rhine
Location: right across the Münster of Breisach (Münsterbergstrasse)
To get across the Rhine Hitler and the ones who where with him, had to use a floating bridge.
The cars crossing the Rhine near Breisach
(picture: Heinrich Hoffmann)
About the same location today
(picture: commons.wikipedia.org)
Waldkirch (Germany) -
The trip ended back at the FHQ Tannenberg. Hitler was driven through the cities of Waldkirch and Wolfkirch to get there.
Breisach (Germany), German bunkers
Location: Unknown, but the pictures below could well have been taken in the Breisach area. If so, the bunkers were on the German side of the Rhine near Breisach (or maybe near Kehl)
Today: There are still some bumkers left in the area.
Heinrich Hoffmann’s book Hitler im Westen has some pictures of Hitler visiting German and French bunkers. This must at least have taken place in the same peiod as the trip on June 30.The picture on the left shows Bormann again. The book only tells that they visited a German bunkers that had been under French fire.
Hitler visiting a German bunker in the area
(picture: commons.wikipedia.org)